1 posts categorized "Silverbrow Prices Index"

29 August 2006

I am aware that when I write about food, I rarely refer to its financial cost. I am lucky, I do not have to worry about whether I can afford my next meal - unless it's another Urasawa - but obviously, many are not as fortunate. However, given the importance of this most fundamental purchase, its cost is vitally important.

Breakingviews (subscription req'd) carries an interesting article on the implications of food inflation. According to the latest figures from the UK's Office of National Statistics (ONS), food prices in July 2006, were 3.2% higher than the same time a year earlier, whereas other goods were only 2.4% up. Breakingviews suggests a couple of reasons for the increase - higher energy prices and the commoditisation of food stuffs (very Michael Pollan) - but notes that consumers have not been complaining.

The article makes no real attempt to suggest why they haven't complained but it does note:

The change in attitude [of accepting higher prices] could be the most significant shift. When inflation was under tight control, producers found that price pressure in one area had to be matched by cost reductions elsewhere. The willingness to accept higher prices is the first step in inflationary psychology. The next would be workers demanding higher wages to compensate. Steady increases in the price of food - which is vital and purchased frequently - would make that sort of demand more likely.

Therefore, we are likely to insist on higher wages so we can afford our loaf of bread. But why aren't we getting worked-up that food is costing more? My personal feeling is that although food costs more, food accounts for less as a percentage of the household budget than it has done previously. It goes back to apathy. Large swathes of the population don't care enough about how much food costs them, similar to their lack of interest in the quality of the food they are eating. Those that do notice either cannot do anything about it because inflation means all food is getting more expensive or, they may be fooled into believing that by paying more, their food is better/healthier/more natural.

I am interested to know which food sectors have suffered the most from inflation. According to the press release from the ONS, the reason for the increase can largely be attributed to:

Fruit, where prices for some items fell by less than a year ago, especially grapes, strawberries and peaches

Milk, cheese and eggs, where shop bought milk prices rose in July after price cuts earlier this year

Meat, where prices rose in July, especially for beef

However, each of these three categories cover a multitude of sins. Are we talking organic beef or Tesco's Value range? Or have prices risen in both groups but if so, is it by similar amounts?

I fall into the category of people who have not noticed the increases, but I am intrigued and want to know how food inflation is affecting me. So, I am creating a basket of goods - the Silverbrow Prices Index (after the Retail Prices Index) - and will post about its fluctuations. I will do this on a monthly basis so I can see in real-time, just how expensive our most fundamental purchase is becoming. I haven't decided yet on its composition but it will reflect the type of food I buy and eat on a regular basis. I'm sensing an opportunity for the foodosphere's perspective of Freakonomics.